10 things you must do when at the Edinburgh Festivals
Worried about packing everything in during your visit to the Edinburgh Festivals, given the limited time you've got? Well, here’s our ultimate checklist of the things you must do before it’s all over.
1) Seek out the genres you don't normally try
We all have our favourite genres and performers, and it’s easy to pack August days with them. But the festivals are also about seeking out new experiences and finding new favourites, so now’s the time to give some attention to those you’ve been neglecting. Have you spent all month in the Pleasance Courtyard? Head to an Art Festival exhibition or catch something at the International Festival. Did you travel to Edinburgh to see the Tattoo? Make the most of your trip by scheduling in a Fringe day too.
2) Visit a new part of the city
With so much of the action concentrated in Edinburgh’s centre, it’s easy not to venture further afield - but the festivals provide a great opportunity to do so, with venues across Edinburgh and in buildings and locations you might otherwise miss. Make sure you find time during the last week to explore a new area and venue you haven’t visited yet. You’ll leave feeling not only like you experienced the magic of the festivals, but the magic of the city too.
3) Stimulate your brain…
The fantastic programming at Edinburgh’s Festivals doesn’t slow down at all as they approach their conclusion, and there are a whole range of events exploring the day’s prescient issues still to take place. Find your favourite authors in conversation at the Book Festival or have your perceptions challenged by dance, theatre or an exhibition ....plenty of the annual programmes tackle challenging political issues head-on.
4) …or escape from it all
Of course, while the festivals present plenty of opportunities for intellectual stimulation and debate, sometimes you want to give your brain a rest and just relax for a while. Luckily, the Art Festival's programme of exhibitions and events in galleries across the city provides you with the perfect opportunity for some quiet contemplation, reflection and exploration.
5) Make the most of the food offerings
Indulge your taste buds at the myriad of delicious street food stalls and pop-ups that only exist during the August festivals. Seek out your favourite cuisine or try something new; kick back with some comfort food or jump head first into the Edinburgh experience with some traditional Scottish fare.
6) Grab the chance to see the top shows…
Certain shows at the festivals garner significant attention from audiences, reviewers and awards panels alike. Some will go on to great things: take Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette, for instance, which won the Best Show award at a recent Fringe and has since gone on to be a huge Netflix hit. Use this opportunity to take in all the recommendations you’ve been given and see the shows that people will be talking about for years to come.
7) …but make sure you’ve taken some risks too
Of course, part of the fun of the festivals is taking a chance on a great flyer or squeezing into a show just because it’s about to start and the performer asked you nicely. Make sure you’ve taken some time just to wander the streets and see what you find. The beauty of Edinburgh is that there are surprises around every corner!
8) Get a memento to take home with you
Edinburgh isn’t short on tourist and gift shops to stock up on souvenirs and presents, but don’t forget that the Book Festival also boasts its own bookshop at their festival site, packed with offerings from those appearing and local publishers. Pop in for a unique memento in the festival spirit.
9) Have a drink at your favourite bar or pop-up
There’s always time for a quick refreshment stop and Edinburgh is full of food and drink options. Many of these are only open for the festival period and some of those will even make way for yet another concept next year, so make the most of those you’ve come to love.
10) Make sure you’ve seen all the sights
Edinburgh is a year-round tourist hotspot for a reason, and the festivals provide a great chance to see all the top sights. Take a morning out for a refreshing walk up Arthur’s Seat, or amble through the city to the Castle or Scott Monument. You can even combine sightseeing with festival-going: plenty of iconic venues host exhibitions or performance spaces, and the Tattoo takes place each night on the famous Castle Esplanade.